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US 5,214,420 AGranted
Spatial light modulator projection system with random polarity light
AssigneeTexas Instruments Incorporated
InventorsE. Earle Thompson, Thomas W. DeMond
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A visual display system having a spatial light modulator with individually controllable elements. Each element capable of producing an individual light beam directed toward a display surface. A source of random polarity light is utilized to direct light onto the modulator.
Claims18
A visual display system comprising:
- (a) a source of random polarity light directing random polarity light along a first optical path;
- (b) a display surface along a second optical path;
- and
- (c) a spatial light modulator located along said first and second optical paths and having a plurality of controllable elements arranged in an array, at least some of said controllable elements being individually and simultaneously controllable between a first state to provide a portion of said random polarity light as an individual random polarity light beam having of substantially parallel rays along said second optical path and a second state not to provide light along said second optical path, and between said second state and said first state.
1 more element
A method of displaying an image comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing randomly polarized light to an array of controllable elements;
- (b) controlling at least some of said controllable elements simultaneously between a first state and a second state, and between said second state and said first state, to provide light beams of randomly polarized light having substantially parallel rays forming an image;
- and
- (c) display said image.
1 more element
A visual display system comprising:
- (a) a display surface for displaying visible points of information;
- (b) a spatial light modulator having a plurality of controllable elements arranged in an array, each of said controllable elements being controllable between a first state and a second state, wherein at least two of said controllable elements are controlled between said states simultaneously;
- (c) a source of random polarity light impinging on said spatial light modulator;
- (d) said controllable elements operative to selectively direct associated portion of said light toward said display surface as a plurality of randomly polarized light beams having substantially parallel rays when said controllable elements are in said first state and prevent said associated portions from reaching said display surface when said controllable elements are in said second state with all said visible points of information simultaneously displayed on said display surface.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.